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My LS special was running well until just recently. While driving in stop- n-go traffic, I accelerated and the engine stalled. I pulled over and it restarted and I attempted to drive and it stalled again. Restarted the engine and drove home with no problems. More symptoms of hesitation and sputtering when accelerating from idle happened on an intermittent basis. I wasn’t completely sure whether this was fuel or ignition as California is switching to its summer blend right about now. This had happened before and it was the ICM. I check Eric’s videos regarding the coil, ICM and distributor replacement and the ignition switch electrical issue (Thank you Eric, nicely done) and even though Eric thinks fuel additives don’t do much, I added a bottle to an empty tank of gas for the hell of it. I Replaced the ICM and it is no longer sputtering when accelerating but will die at idle. I did see a very very light dusting of the orange powder Eric commented on in his distributor replacement video, so I wasn’t sure if this is symptomatic of a distributor starting to go bad. I did not replace the coil, rotor or cap yet as I didn’t want to use parts replacement as a diagnostic method especially If I need to replace the distributor. Suggestions?
Thanks for your replies.
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The problem right now is that you have no idea whether this is a problem with fuel or ignition BUT older cars require much more frequent maintenance than newer cars do.
The ignition parts used in 1991 were designed for annual maintenance.
If your ICM went bad, then there’s also a good possibility that the consumable ignition parts (plugs,wires,cap,rotor) are overdue for replacement.Since you may have had a faulty ICM, I ‘d suggest cleaning off the spark plugs at the very least.
Poor ignition can lead to fouled spark plugs, which will not work properly even after the ignition trouble is fixed.
http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/techinfo/qa/q20/index.html
Since Acuras are made by Honda, it’s best to follow ETCGs advice on using genuine Honda brand parts
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues/notes-on-honda-ignition-systems-and-aftermarket-partsThese links should assist with getting the problem narrowed down
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues/the-basics
and then
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues/don-t-forget-the-basicsIf it has been quite a while since a “tune up” has been done, it may be necessary to do so now.
On a 1991 engine , the spark plugs were typically copper-core, which typically wear out in under 20K miles.
A cap and rotor may be needed, as the contacts wear out.
The ignition wires, going through many heat/cold cycles deteriorate.
Air filters & fuel filters get clogged up.
PCV valves get sticky.Carefully check for broken/cracked vacuum hoses, as engine heat makes them brittle and they often break where you can’t see.
Wow thanks for the detailed reply.
So yes i did do a tune up recently changes the spark plugs, tested the spark plug wires and retained them as they are original to the car, put in a new PVC valve, changed oil filter, air filter and coolant recently.
I did inspect the cap and rotor and they looked good. but I will pull the distributor again and do a closer inspection of the coil and cap and rotor.I will take your advice and look at all the vacuum hoses as a part of regular maintenance, but since this is a intermittent problem I am leaning more to the distributor.
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